Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Section 2 (Engine Mechanical (H6DO)): Camshaft: Inspection
- Measure the bend, and repair or replace if necessary.
Camshaft bend limit:
0.020 mm (0.00079 in)
- Check the journal for damage and wear. Replace if faulty.
- Check the cutout portion used for camshaft sensor for damage. Replace if faulty.
- Check the cam face condition; remove the minor faults by grinding with oil stone. Replace if there is uneven wear or others.
- Measure the cam lobe height "H" and cam base circle diameter "A". If it exceeds the standard or offset wear occurs, replace it.
Cam lobe height H:
Standard
Intake
45.90 - 46.00 mm (1.8071 - 1.8110 in)
Exhaust
44.65 - 44.75 mm (1.7579 - 1.7618 in)
Cam base circle diameter A:
Standard
Intake
36.00 mm (1.4173 in)
Exhaust
36.00 mm (1.4173 in)
- Measure the outside diameter of camshaft journal. If the journal diameter is not within specification, check the oil clearance.
Camshaft journal Front Except for front Standard mm (in) 37.946 - 37.963 (1.4939 - 1.4946) 25.946 - 25.963 (1.0215 - 1.0222) - Measure the oil clearance of camshaft journal.
- Clean the camshaft cap and cylinder head camshaft journal.
- Place the camshaft on cylinder head. (Without installing the valve lifter)
- Place a plastigauge across each camshaft journals.
- Gradually tighten the camshaft cap in at least two stages in the numerical order shown in the figure, then tighten to specified torque. Do not turn the camshaft.
Tightening torque:
(1) - (12): 16 N.m (1.6 kgf-m, 11.8 ft-lb)
(13) - (17): 9.75 N.m (1.0 kgf-m, 7.2 ft-lb)
- Remove the camshaft cap.
- Measure the widest point of the plastigauge on each journal. If oil clearance exceeds the standard, replace the camshaft. If necessary, replace the camshaft caps and cylinder head as a set.
Camshaft oil clearance:
Standard
0.037 - 0.072 mm (0.0015 - 0.0028 in)
- Completely remove the plastigauge.
- Measure the thrust clearance with setting the dial gauge at end surface of camshaft. If the thrust clearance is not within the standard or there is offset wear, replace the camshaft caps and cylinder head as a set. If necessary replace the camshaft.
Camshaft thrust clearance:
Standard
Intake
0.075 - 0.135 mm (0.0030 - 0.0053 in)
Exhaust
0.075 - 0.135 mm (0.0030 - 0.0053 in)
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.